Credit: Peter Ackerman via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Syndication: Asbury Park Press
NEW YORK (77WABC) – The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) started accepting applications on Monday, giving economic relief to low and moderate-income households that are at risk of experiencing homelessness or rental instability.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on May 25 that the $2.7 billion program will help assist between 170,000 and 200,000 households. The benefits include up to 12 months of overdue rent, up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent, and up to 12 months of overdue electric or gas utility payments.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is now accepting applications. Find out what you need to qualify and apply. https://t.co/2SLWBiFM39#housing #affordablehousing #rent #landlord #tenant pic.twitter.com/4UYBs0N9uV
— New York State Senate (@NYSenate) June 1, 2021
The criteria to qualify for ERAP includes having household gross income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (which varies by location), having a member of the household receiving unemployment benefits or a reduction in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic on or after March 13, 2020, and having the obligation to pay rent at their primary residence and has overdue rent as well as rental instability due to overdue rent on or after March 13, 2020.
According to website, during the first 30 days the program will prioritize the unemployed, those with income at or below 50 percent of area median income, and other vulnerable populations. After the first 30 days, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available.
Seven areas in New York decided to administer their own programs. Rochester, Monroe County, the City of Yonkers, Onondaga County, Hempstead, Islip and Oyster Bay are ineligible from the state program and can only apply to their local programs.
